Sweet Potato Bread

I’m excited to share my sweet potato bread recipe with you. This bread is a warm, comforting treat with a moist crumb and a gentle spice that makes it perfect for any time of the day!

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf

I love baking sweet potato bread because it fills my kitchen with a lovely aroma and makes my home feel cozy. The natural sweetness of the potatoes mixed with a blend of simple spices creates a soft, delicious loaf that anyone can make. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, I hope you enjoy making this bread as much as I do.

Description

This recipe combines wet and dry ingredients to create a tender, flavorful bread. I begin by blending cooked sweet potatoes with sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Then, I carefully mix in sifted flour along with baking soda, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If you like a bit of crunch, you can add chopped nuts. The result is a delightful loaf that works well for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Ingredients

• Wet Ingredients:
o 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, cooled (you can roast, boil, or use unsweetened canned puree) citeturn0search8
o 1 cup granulated sugar (or a mix of white and brown sugar; adjust to taste)
o ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
o 2 large eggs
o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
o ⅓ cup water (add a little more if needed for a smooth batter)
• Dry Ingredients:
o 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
o (Optional: ¼ teaspoon baking powder for extra rise)
o ¾ teaspoon salt
o 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
o ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
o ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
• Optional Add-In:
o ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
   o If you’re making your own mashed sweet potatoes, peel and cube them, then cook by boiling, steaming, or roasting until tender. Mash until smooth and let cool completely.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   o In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil until they blend well.
   o Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed in fully.
   o Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed sweet potatoes, and water until the mixture is smooth
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   o In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda (and baking powder if using), salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
   o Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently just until there are no dry patches to keep the bread light and tender.
4. Add Nuts (Optional):
   o If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts gently.
5. Bake:
   o Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   o Bake for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
   o Note: Oven times can vary. If you’re using a glass or ceramic pan, it might need a few extra minutes.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
   o Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   o Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of maple syrup.

Process Details

• Mixing Technique: I mix the batter gently. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so I stop when there are no visible dry spots.
• Spice Balance: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a warm, inviting flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Moist Texture: The combination of oil and mashed sweet potatoes helps the bread stay moist and tender throughout.

Tips for Success

• Measure Accurately: Use proper measurements for both wet and dry ingredients to ensure the best texture.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
• Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste or add extras like raisins or shredded coconut for a twist.
• Batter Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, add a splash more water until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Serving Ideas

• For Breakfast: Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese.
• As a Snack: Pair it with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
• For Dessert: Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or honey, and serve with a side of fresh fruit.
• Sharing Moment: This bread is great to share at brunch or with friends as an afternoon treat.

Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 220–250
• Fat: 9–11 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35–40 grams
• Protein: 4–5 grams

I believe this sweet potato bread is a comforting, versatile treat that’s easy to make and enjoy any time. Its moist texture, balanced spices, and optional nutty crunch make it a delightful choice for breakfast, snack, or dessert. I hope you have fun baking and savoring every bite of this delicious bread!